Flight Operations Generalist

Icarus•El Segundo, CA

2d•$90,000 - $160,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Flight Operations Generalist is responsible for taking aircraft from the hangar to the sky and back. This role involves setting up the test site, preparing the aircraft, running preflight checks, operating the aircraft in flight, and troubleshooting issues, all under the direction of engineers. The Generalist will be central to field operations when Icarus deploys. Icarus is focused on building solar-powered aircraft that fly at high altitudes for extended periods, providing persistent presence from the stratosphere. The company aims to re-establish and maintain dominance in the Stratosphere.

Requirements

3+ years of hands-on UAS, RC, or aircraft operations experience, or equivalent military experience as a UAV operator, maintainer, or crew chief.
Demonstrated ability to set up, preflight, operate, and recover an unmanned aircraft.
Strong hands-on troubleshooting across mechanical, electrical, and software systems.
Comfort with ground control station software.
Familiarity with the Linux command line for debugging and troubleshooting.
Calm, decisive judgment under pressure, especially with an aircraft in the air.
Comfort taking direction from engineers and translating it into safe flight operations.
Willingness to travel to remote test sites and work long, physical days outdoors.
Strong communicator.
High trust, extreme ownership, no ego.

Nice To Haves

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
Experience with developmental flight test, first-flight events, or build-up test programs.
Background building RC or UAS aircraft (SAE Aero, Design Build Fly, or serious hobbyist).
FAA Airframe and Powerplant license or military aviation maintenance background.
Experience operating in austere or remote field environments.
Aviation-adjacent military specialty with "air sense" (JTAC, CCT, etc).

Responsibilities

Set up the test site including ground control station, communications, power, ground support equipment, and safety setup.
Assemble, configure, and prepare aircraft for flight, including mechanical, electrical, and payload setup.
Run preflight inspections and checklists, and ensure aircraft readiness.
Configure and verify the ground control station, telemetry links, and mission plan before each flight.
Operate the aircraft in flight from the ground control station, executing the test plan under engineer direction.
Monitor telemetry and aircraft health in real-time and respond to anomalies.
Run launch and recovery operations, including non-traditional takeoff and landing configurations.
Diagnose and fix mechanical, electrical, and software issues in the field.
Refurbish and reset the aircraft between flights.
Capture flight logs, document events, and provide feedback to engineering.
Maintain positive control of tools and hardware to ensure aircraft safety.
Build and improve standard operating procedures for repeatable and safe flight operations.
Solve novel problems without hesitation.